THE CATHOLIC NEWS MAY 2026

ISSUE 348 MAY 2026

Preparing for Holy Week at the End of Term

The end of term at Christ the King Senior Academy at Christmas and before Easter, is brought to fulfilment as the whole school walks down to the Good Shepherd Church, Thackeray’s Lane, part of the Parish of St. John Paul II (Nottingham) for a final celebration, before the Academy disperses for the holidays. This in itself is a tremendous act of Catholic witness in the local community as the distinctive uniform of the Academy is experienced by the neighbourhood for what is a twenty-minute walk, accompanied by members of staff and Governors.

express the solemnity of the moment accompanied by so many students involved, that all present were touched by the message of the Passion that you could hear a pin drop. Parents and parishioners swelled the numbers such that even the extra chairs brought in from the Parish Assembly Rooms were not sufficient for the numbers attending who swelled out into the Church narthex to participate. Many spoke of involvement by the live streaming available that enabled a tremendous audience of our youth expressing their Faith.

This pre-Easter walk was no exception and once again the Academy expressed a tremendous vision of the Passion of the Lord, by presenting “Born for this” under the leadership of Tom Baptiste, (Chaplaincy Co-ordinator of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi Academy Trust) and the Academy’s Chaplaincy team.

“I would have paid £25:00 to watch that” was the comment of one parishioner. Our thanks to the Chaplaincy teams of our Multi Academy Trust, and of St. Oscar Romero Hub, of which Christ the King is the Senior Academy for such a splendid and deeply moving occasion.

St. John Paul II (Nottingham) Parish, Roving Reporter.

The presentation was enhanced by skillful use of lighting in the Church to visually

Pictures by kind permission of Christ the King Senior Academy.

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The Catholic News. May 2026.

MORE THAN 26 YEARS OF BRINGING THE NOTTINGHAM DIOCESE TOGETHER The monthly paper for the Diocese of Nottingham

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Faith and trust At this Easter’s Sunday service, the congregation repeated their baptismal vows, reaffirming their belief in God and the events and consequences of the resurrection, articulating the nature of their faith and the trust Catholics have in God’s love, care and providence.

“Well” Rodleigh said, “the secret is that the flyer does nothing and the catcher everything. When I fly to Joe I have simply to stretch out my arms and hands and wait for him to catch me safely.”

It brought to mind the tale of the dying Marist brother as he lay on his hospital deathbed, explaining to his gathered family and friends the story of his spirituality.

It came from a personal experience when he met a circus troupe, The Flying Rodleighs, after one of their performances.

He told them “One day I was sitting with Rodleigh, a trapeze artist, talking about his ‘flying through the air’. He explained “as a flyer I must have complete trust in my catcher. You and the public might think I am the star of this act but the real star is my catcher, Joe. He has to be there for me with split second timing and grab me out of the air from my jumps.”

Wanted Parish Correspondents The Catholic News is looking for a Parish Correspondent in your parish to send in local news for publication in this newspaper.

All items to be emailed to cn@cathcom.org before 10th of the month

“How does this work?” I asked.

“You do nothing?” I exclaimed.

“Nothing!” Rodleigh repeated. “The worst thing is for the flyer to catch the catcher. I am not supposed to catch Joe. If I grabbed him, I might break his wrists or he break mine and that would be the end of both of us! A flyer has to fly and a catcher has to catch. The flyer has to trust with outstretched arms that his catcher will be there for him.”

Dying is trusting the Catcher. Caring for the dying is saying: “Don’t be afraid. Remember, you are the partner of the son of God. He will be there when you make your jump. Don’t try to grab him. He will grab you. Just stretch out your arms and trust.”

As Vincentians we build any relationship with beneficiaries based on trust. Supporting those in need requires them to reach out and be caught. This trust is based on building their confidence to let down their defences and acknowledge that there is someone who can help, someone who can keep them safe, someone who can help them move on. Building this trust means that barriers have been broken and a bond has developed.

Trust is at the core of what the SVP does.

We aim to gain the trust of those we befriend just as we trust in the grace of God to guide us in our mission.

Lance Philpott

When Rodleigh said this with so much conviction the words of Jesus flashed through my mind.

“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Frankly Speaking

by Frank Goulding

MarCh 2026

www.CatholicPost.co.uk

Edition 51

FEBRuARy 2026

www.CatholicPost.co.uk

Edition 50

History in Their Hands

Middlesbrough and Leeds to share Bishop Marcus

page 12

page 2

A journey of Faith, Hope and New Beginnings page 14

Listening is Loving

St. Scholastica: The Power of Love in Prayer February 10th

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A Year of Hope, A Church

Saint Francis of Assisi died on 3 October 1226, near the small chapel he loved most.

APRIL 2026

He did not die in a grand www.CatholicPost.co.uk church or monastery.

Edition 52

He asked to be laid naked on the bare earth.

He asked for the Passion of Christ according to the Gospel of John to be read to him. He sang psalms. And then, quietly, he went home to God.

Gwen Wiseman Pope Francis opened On Christmas Eve 2024, Basilica, inviting the the Holy Door of St Peter’s of 2025. “This is Church into the Jubilee Year we are invited to the season of hope in which the Lord,” he rediscover the joy of meeting to spiritual renewal said. “The Jubilee calls us of our and commits us to the transformation may truly become a world, so that this year time of jubilation.” as a year in Jubilee 2025 will be remembered walked together which the global Church and change, through grief and joy, continuity in Christ, as St discovering that hope, rooted disappoint” (Rom Paul reminds us, “does not 5:5).

A Jubilee That Surpassed Expectations

on the Feast of the As the Jubilee concluded that more Epiphany, the Vatican confirmed to Rome from than 33 million pilgrims travelled expectations. The 185 countries, far exceeding the Jubilee a visible scale of participation made universality. expression of the Church’s

Refugee Art and Writing Competition Winners

Conversion Stories

pages 6 & 7

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Pray as you Go

and self-will became the hidden path of Gwen Wiseman This year marked the 800th anniversary of the Francis’ sanctity. He was canonised only two Media death of Saint Francis of Assisi. For one years after his death by Pope Gregory IX, who

by Pope Francis. ©Vatican Opening of the Holy Door, Time Our for22 described him as one of the greatest imitators Saints extraordinary month, of from February to 22 the site associated with the witness enriched by was further sites were Maximus, a March, theJubilee mortalYear remains of the saint were of Christ the Church had ever known. basilicas and traditional pilgrimage martyrs. The sight of thousands The Frassati and Carlo a surge in early Christian of Pier Giorgio placedcanonisations for the on public veneration, drawing pilgrims reported and priests highlighted people quietly queuing canonised by Pope Leo For Fr Quackenbush, the veneration of Francis’ among pilgrims of young images first saints from across theworld to Assisi.

Acutis,the Confessions, particularly became one of the defining especially resonant remains was not about death. “The emphasis fully in the Jubilee sacrament XIV. Their witness proved seeking to participate of the Holy Year. on hope. we’re trying to make is that this isn’t about Year centred Duringduring Holy hundreds that atime, of thousands on Easter Monday indulgence. death,” he said. “It’s about life.”

The death of Pope Francis of the the moment, the Prefect passed through the Basilica, many travelling the year, followed Sacrament of Reflecting on message: left an indelible mark during those young renewed return to the offer a ofcompelling hundreds, saints thousands Botheven miles for the Rome, observed: “To see election of Pope Leo This one of the clearest signs City of by the conclave and the life, in classrooms was The grain of wheat thatchance ordinary is lived to spend of these Reconciliation was just ain few holiness brief moments as well as people in confession, the atmosphere city XIV on 8 May. But the convergence paths and Many Jubilee touched hearts pilgrims arrived with curiosity or remained mountain on humble before the workplaces, of the Jubilee Year into a that the andremains friar who not simply felt, it was something unique that events transformed the the many, the Holy Year was reinforced devotion.

But as they moved through the once called in communion; a minds. For Their himself “thecanonisations little poor one.” streets. of personal engraved in everyone’s eyes.” powerful witness of a Church is to attend, but a moment experience something deeper began to stir that sainthood gather in prayer for an event begin again.

Jubilee’s central conviction Church able to mourn, to a genuine opportunity to of them. Standing before the remains of within renewal, vocation move the to is Youth and but of few, Spirit, a At first glance, for have seemed that Jubilee it might not reserved the guidance of the Holy For many observers, the the saint, they encountered not only the hope. faith had simply come to see aboutpilgrims the bones of all. forward together with renewed The Jubilee of Youth challenged prevailing assumptions memory of a holy man from the past but the a It revealed a medieval moments of the saint. Yet the friars serving at the among younger generations.

Among the most striking question that shaped Francis’ life: “Lord, what open say something far drawing more Signs of Spiritual Renewal but searching,Basilica 5 deeper on page was was the Jubilee of Youth, Continued generation not indifferent, do you want me to do?” This was the question the Jubilee’s most Jubilee to Rome. unfolding. What began as an act of devotion Beyond the numbers, one million young people meaning, and belonging.

Francis once asked before the crucifix of San its spiritual impact. than Circus to depth, enduring legacy lies in became something more personal: a moment were offered at the Damiano, when he was still a restless young at Rome’s major Confessions Unprecedented attendance of prayer, reflection and, for many, a renewed man searching for direction. encounter with faith.

celebrated, each 35 major Jubilee events were vocation or group dedicated to a particular were not merely within the Church. These of encounter large gatherings, but moments deepened, and where faith was shared, renewed.

“It is startling to see the crowds”

In the likeness and image of God page 14

St. Joseph 19th March

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A particular grace of the Year of St Francis is dedicated to other great Franciscan the plenary indulgence attached saints an online booking to this Jubilee, such as system has been introduced St Clare of Assisi, St Anthony addressed in a special way of Padua, to manage to the members of St access. Further information Bonaventure, and St Maximilian the Franciscan families is Kolbe. In available at www.sanfrancescovive.org. of the First, Second, the Eight Hundred Years Later spirit of the Jubilee decree, and Third Orders, Regular these places are On 10 January 2026, the and Secular, as well natural Franciscan family as to Institutes local points of pilgrimage, of Consecrated Life, Societies across the world, together ensuring A Year to Walk Alongside with the Church in of Apostolic that the grace of the Year Francis Life, and associations that of St Francis is While Assisi, gathered in prayer observe accessible to praying before the crucifix at the Basilica of the Rule all the faithful, including in the ruined of St Francis or draw inspiration Santa Maria degli Angeli those church of San Damiano, from unable to travel to to open the Eighth his spirituality.

Francis heard Christ Assisi.

Centenary of the death of say: “Francis, go and rebuild St Francis.

Ask your priest how the my Church.”

Year of Francis will be lived in your parish and At the same time, this grace diocese.

The world Francis knew is extended to all At first, he understood this was marked by the faithful, literally. He rebuilt who, with hearts detached violence, division, and deep ruined chapels with his from Veneration of the Mortal inequality. Our sin, participate own hands, before Remains of slowly realising in the Jubilee by making modern world may appear a very different on pilgrimage that Christ was calling him Saint Francis to any Franciscan conventual to the surface, and yet in many something deeper, not the As part of the centenary ways it remains church or rebuilding of stone celebrations, pilgrims walls, place of worship dedicated painfully similar. Eight hundred but the rebuilding of hearts to St are invited to venerate years after his Francis of Assisi and lives. the mortal remains, the anywhere in the world. With death, in a fractured and This year, the same invitation restless world, his particular bones of St Francis. After is extended to his death, and out of us. tenderness, the Church has witness still calls us back ensured fear of medieval to the essentials. The that the relic hunters, sick and Francis’s body the elderly, and those unable faithful from every corner was hidden. Almost six hundred of the globe to leave their homes for serious reasons years later, in continue to be drawn by Go and rebuild what God may 1818, Pope Pius VII the life of this small, also obtain desires to ordered a search for the the plenary indulgence by unlikely man. But why? uniting tomb, which was restore within you. themselves spiritually successfully rediscovered to the Jubilee beneath Go and rebuild the places the altar of the Lower Basilica where trust and celebrations and offering Francis refused to dilute of St to God their prayers, Francis. relationships have weakened. the demands of the sufferings, and the daily difficulties Gospel. He embraced Go and rebuild holiness of life. In it without reserve, this way, in the ordinary the mercy proclaimed by choosing poverty over St Francis is The tomb comfort, peace over made details of daily life. was last opened in 1978 under accessible to all, regardless power, and humility over Pope Eight hundred years after of Paul VI for inspection, status. The Gospel circumstance.

Francis met at which time the was not simply something Sister Death, his life still he believed; it was remains were placed in points us to Christ a sealed protective the pattern of his entire and calls us to live the Gospel life, shaping every Most dioceses container to ensure their without preservation. Now, in across the UK have a parish choice he made. or 2026, Francis’s body compromise. church explicitly named will be exposed for public after St Francis of veneration The journey with Francis for the very first time. begins today.

Assisi, and every diocese So completely did Francis has at least one The Franciscan Year runs give himself to Christ church from or place of worship connected that he prayed to share 10 January 2026 to 10 January to the Public veneration both the physical Franciscan will take place during the 2027. charism. This includes Franciscan suffering of the Cross and season of Lent, from 22 February the burning love friaries, Franciscan to 22 March. For pilgrimages, and Poor Clare convents, with which Christ offered himself. This prayer shrines Due to the large number retreats or visits to Assisi, and chapels, as well as of pilgrims expected contact churches to travel to Assisi Gwen Wiseman: gwen@viaassisi.com for this extraordinary event, | www.viaassisi.com

After venerating the remains, pilgrims were led into a nearby chapel to renew their baptismal promises, shifting the focus from the life of Francis to their own. The friars framed this moment through the words of Christ in the Gospel of John: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) For the friars, the life of Francis is a living example of that Gospel truth. Like the grain of wheat that falls into the earth, Francis surrendered his life completely to God. In letting go of wealth, ambition and reputation, he discovered a freedom that transformed not only his own life but the lives of countless others.

“It is startling to see the crowds,” Fr Quackenbush said. “The fact that Francis still has this appeal after eight hundred years proclaims something about his holiness.” For Fr Quackenbush, the explanation lies in the depth of Francis’ interior life. “He had no enemies,” he said. “The only battle he fought was within himself, against anything that stood between him and Christ.” The saint’s holiness Francis spoke of death not with fear but with was not built on outward drama alone but on trust, referring to it in the Canticle of the an interior struggle, a constant effort to Creatures as “Sister Death.” “The enthusiasm surrender everything to God. “He was Francis still generates among the people of constantly trying to put to death whatever God is a sign he isn’t dead,” Fr Quackenbush wasn’t love or truth,” Fr Quackenbush said. “He’s very much alive.” explained. This daily dying to pride, ambition Continued on page 2

Gwen Wiseman

was answered. Two years before his death, Francis received the wounds of Christ on his hands, feet, and side, becoming the first recorded saint to bear the stigmata.

From this radical conformity to Christ flowed a life that could not be contained. Francis founded a worldwide family of friars, sisters, and lay people, now spread across every continent. Yet his influence reaches far beyond those who wear a habit.

Near the end of his life, broken in body, nearly blind, and exhausted by years of severe fasting, The Franciscan Jubilee Francis did not fear death.

He welcomed her In the context of this centenary year, Pope as a sister: “Sister Bodily Leo Death.” His final XIV has proclaimed 2026 a Franciscan Jubilee, moments were an act of complete surrender, inviting the whole Church to rediscover a last imitation of Christ the who had given heart of the Gospel through the everything on the Cross. life and witness of St Francis.

How a person dies often reveals how they have lived. Francis died as lived: poor, free, St Alphege Aprilhe19 trusting, and wholly-abandoned to God.

They Came to See St Francis and Found Christ

Among those welcoming pilgrims to Assisi was Fr Daniel Mary Quackenbush, OFM Conv., an American friar from upstate New York who serves at the Basilica and is responsible for the English-language Mass celebrated each Sunday morning.

Fingers and Feet

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The Year of Francis

: Jubilee 2025Renew ed

The remains of Saint Francis of Assisi Image: Gwen Wiseman

Writing this article on Easter Monday I note that May 1st is not only the first Friday but also the day on which we celebrate the feast of St Joseph the Worker.

Much of this month is also still in the Easter season and in our country the gradual extension of daylight continues.

In past years this season of Spring can best be analysed on one of my cards which simply read “Easter is a time of Hope”.

The area of the world which, surrounds the Holy Land, certainly needed more light than darkness over the recent Easter weekend.

The hostile and tragic loss of life seemed accompanied by more threats and even worse. Let us not forget the plight of innocent civilians including children let

alone the resident Christians praying during Holy Week.

On Easter Day Pope Leo gave his message advocating so much towards peace. The Vatican television commentator commented, “well there was no holding back.” This was an address to everybody and not just to world leaders. The Pope clearly felt that dialogue and compassion is the way forward for those world leaders as so many conflicts bring us much suffering and pain. Towards the end of his Easter message he urged us to “Bring the joy of Jesus to all we meet.”

In the Diocese of Nottingham Bishop Patrick launched the Diocesan Mission Plan in January. Under the actual heading of “Mission” we are urged to share ourselves with our varied talents to make Jesus Christ better known in our families and daily lives. Since January there appears

to be a dispute on a poll concerning the 18-24 year olds attending Christian Churches.

There is a no dispute on the increase in numbers coming into the Catholic Church each Easter in recent times.

Perhaps its too early to say this is a revival it's our job to speak more openly of our faith.

May is also the month dedicated to Our Lady and some readers will have memories of religious processions which did parade through our towns and communities. These demonstrations of Faith might not be as frequent this May but there is a possible re-awaking with Christian information on the internet. In the meantime we should try to make everyone at ease who is seeking guidance in a changing world.

The Catholic News. May 2026.

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A night of light: 249 new Catholics welcomed across the Diocese Nottingham Cathedral was alive with joy over the Easter Weekend

As the Easter Vigil began in darkness, hundreds gathered to witness one of the most sacred moments in the Church's liturgical year and, one of the most historic nights for the Diocese of Nottingham in four decades.

Bishop Patrick received 35 new members into the Catholic Church at Nottingham Cathedral, part of a remarkable 249 people welcomed across the Diocese in 2026 - the highest number in 40 years.

The energy in the Cathedral was palpable: candles flickered in the darkness, voices rose in ancient hymns, and faces, many of them young, shone with anticipation and hope.

Among the 35 received at the Cathedral were faces radiant with joy and hearts overflowing with gratitude. One woman, moments after her Confirmation, was visibly moved to tears: overwhelmed, she said, by the simple truth that God loves her.

For her and the others received last night, this wasn’t just a ceremony; it was the

moment when everything changed.

Choosing Christ transforms everything.

Easter is not just a celebration it’s the beginning of a new life, and last night, 35 people at the Cathedral stepped into that new life with courage, hope, and profound joy.

Mission Alive ‘I think it's a very real sign that the mission in the diocese is taking effect,’ Bishop Patrick reflected after the Vigil. ‘People from all ages have been baptized and received, it was just a wonderful occasion.’

These 249 new Catholics are a living answer to Christ’s call to ‘go and make disciples.’ Each one represents a story of encounter, invitation, and accompaniment.

Someone shared their faith. Someone walked alongside them. Someone prayed.

And now, they themselves are sent to do the same.

The Bishop noted that the celebration gave ‘new heart to those who were there, who were already baptised and confirmed. I

think that always happens in parishes that receive people, that baptise them. It just reminds us that the church, our parish, our diocese is growing.’

every corner, their presence a reminder that no one enters the Church alone. We are, as St. Paul reminds us, one body and, last night, that body grew stronger and more vibrant.

A Church Renewed In a culture of declining numbers and practice, last night told a different story.

‘There's a lot of talk about decline,’ Bishop Patrick observed, ‘but we’re seeing quite a number of young people- and people of all ages- coming and wanting to be baptised, wanting to learn more about Catholicism.’

Some, he noted, had been baptised but ‘never took seriously the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation.’

What particularly moved the Bishop was the number baptised: ‘Seventeen- that’s a big number. And the joy on their faces... they were just so joyful, so pleased to be baptised, to be confirmed, to be welcomed into the Catholic Church.’ The celebration, he shared, went on until midnight.

The Cathedral was packed. Families, sponsors, friends, and parishioners filled

The Challenge Ahead ‘Now the challenge,’ Bishop Patrick reflected, ‘is to continue helping them to feel welcome, walking with them in every parish and here at the Cathedral.’

As dawn breaks on Easter Sunday, we celebrate not only the Resurrection of Christ but the resurrection of 249 lives transformed by His love. Their witness challenges and inspires us: if they can say yes to Christ, so can we. If they can take the leap of faith, so can those we know who are searching.

Let us pray for these new Catholics as they begin their journey. Let us thank God for their courage. And let us commit ourselves to walking with them: accompanying, welcoming, and helping them grow in faith. dioceseofnottingham.uk

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The Catholic News. May 2026.

100 years young Although not a priest of the diocese of Nottingham, Cistercian priest Fr Justin celebrated his 100th birthday in the 73rd anniversary of his year as being a Trappist monk at Mount St Bernard in rural Leicestershire’s Charnwood Forest and a beautiful example of Gothic Revival style by A.W.N. Pugin.

Dom Joseph on behalf of the whole community in his homily said, “Originally from New Zealand Fr Justin served this monastery in many ways: in the orchard, bursar, teacher (including my teacher) and in guesthouse ministry, where many of you may first have encountered him. In God’s Providence Fr Justin’s 100th birthday has fallen on the feast of Divine Mercy, so it is only right that I say something about that.

This Sunday has been known as Divine Mercy Sunday since the year 2000; the reason for its new designation is to express the central truths that lie at the heart of the Gospel and Easter message, the merciful love of God, manifest especially in the Passion and resurrection of His Son.” In a slant to modern technology Dom Joseph quoted from an admirer of

Fr Justin when he quoted from a tribute left on the monastery website “We give thanks to God for the gift of Fr Justin’s life and for his faithful perseverance in the monastic vocation over so many years. His steadfast dedication to prayer and community life stands as a beautiful example for all the monks and nuns of our Order. On this joyful day, we assure him of our gratitude, our affection, and our prayers, asking the Lord to continue to bless him with peace and strength.”

Mount St. Bernard monastery was founded 191 years ago by monks from the two Melleray Monasteries from Ireland and France. For many years a dairy farm, but with declining numbers and aging monks have diverted to a highly successful brewery of fine ales; this is the trajectory of many Cistercian Abbey's worldwide with profits circulated to global catholic social teaching, open to the public for guided tours . I really enjoy my visits to this local historic oasis when in the area or driving back from London.

Gerry Molumby

From: Elston Hermitage…….....

By Fr David + h.d.n. Priest This month forty days after Easter we will be celebrating Ascension Day. During the days after Easter Jesus made what we call Post Resurrection appearances. He showed himself in several different ways, sometimes in his Resurrected body at other times as a gardener or wayfarer. All of this was done to help the apostles and disciples come to realise that even though they witnessed his horrible death, he had been raised from the dead and truly lived. The apostles and disciples were led with the theological virtue of faith knowing that with God all things are possible.

Soon He would see them again, this time at the Father’s right hand. He promised that he would not abandon them, but that he would send them the Advocate - the Holy Spirit.

When we think of the Ascension of Jesus, we may think about how marvelous it must have been to see Jesus whisked away into the sky, aided by angels and looked upon with awe by the apostles.

We focus on his act of Ascending. But what is even more important is

everything that happened after Jesus had Ascended.

Firstly the Ascended Lord took up his throne as King over all creation. St Paul tells us that Jesus is “far above every principality, authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age, but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1: 21 ) Everything must submit to his gospel of mercy and redemption.

Jesus “has passed through the heavens” as a “high priest” who has been “tested in every way, yet without sin” ( Hebrews 4:1516) This means that we can now “ approach the throne of grace” for all our needs - we do not have to be afraid of him.

By Ascending Jesus opened the door for the Holy Spirit. Just before he left he promised that “You will be baptised with the Holy Spirit‘’ (Acts 1: 5) He promised that the love of God would be poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit had the effect of infusing the souls of the apostles, taking away their fear and transforming them into stronger, holier and more peaceful people, sending them to preach and teach with fidelity and constancy.

We too must remember that this call the first apostles and disciples had we too share in to “Go and make disciples of all men”, it is our mission too.

Jesus’ Ascension should then create in us a longing for him to come back. At the Ascension, the angel promised, “This Jesus who has been taken up from into Heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into Heaven” (Acts 1: 11) It assures us that a time will come when sin, pain and suffering will be no more. It promises that Jesus will keep watch over us until that great day.

Life in our times presents us with many and great challenges, many fears and often many questions. We often live lives which are difficult and stressful.

However Easter and Ascensiontide remind us that the Lord has not abandoned us! But he is with us until the end.

So Rejoice. Let us lift up our hearts and let us lift up our eyes to Jesus, now enthroned in the Heavens. In this sacred and grace filled time the Lord is asking us to place all our hope and faith in his promises. “Come Lord Jesus fill us with your Spirit”

The Catholic News. May 2026.

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School’s 60th anniversary celebrations

Annette Batchelor with pupils of Holy Rosay Catholic School An ex-pupil who has worked at Holy Rosary Catholic Voluntary Academy for over 30 years is looking forward to taking part in the school’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

The primary school, in Burton, will be marking the historic occasion with a tea party for parents, staff and pupils on July 2nd, followed by Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Nottingham.

Guests will include current and ex-pupils and staff and members of the local clergy and community.

One current staff member who will be at the celebrations is Annette Batchelor, who attended the school as a pupil and has worked there as a Teaching Assistant for 31 years.

She said she had happy memories of the school as a pupil and loves her role there now.

“I have lovely memories of the fishpond that used to be at the school and sitting around it with my friends, eating our sandwiches.

The equipment we had back then was very different. We had chalkboards, little packets of wax crayons with paper and pencils. All the toys we had were wooden or metal. We had a walk in fold away playhouse and a wooden chest on wheels, containing wooden building blocks. The building blocks were so well made that they were still in use in the year 2000!

“The dinners were very much meat and veg and I remember the chocolate pudding with green custard, which was mint flavoured. I also remember the cornflake cake. I have happy memories of attending the school. I went on to Blessed Robert Sutton and when I got married, I actually had my wedding reception there.”

Mrs Batchelor worked for BT before being employed by Holy Rosary, in Alexandra Road, Winshill, in 1996.

She said: “I had a phone call from the school asking me if I’d be interested in a job, after I’d asked them to let me know if anything came up. They rang me and asked me when I could start and I said tomorrow and I never looked back. I was put with a class of 39 children which included a set of triplets and a set of twins. My children were here in Year 1 and 2 at the time. I loved it because it was a place that I could really be myself. It hasn’t changed in terms of it still being very much like a family and having a real community feel to it.”

Mrs Varney said: “At the time he was 37 and was the youngest Headteacher to be appointed at a school in Burton. He enjoyed his job.”

Marie Dyche is the current Headteacher at Holy Rosary and said everyone was looking forward to marking this momentous occasion.

She said: “Holy Rosary holds a special place in the heart of many in our community. As the school commemorates this 60th anniversary, we celebrate and

thank the staff, families and pupils who have been a part of its journey both past and present. We look forward in hope to the next chapter for the school and all those it serves.”

The school is hoping to revamp some outside areas as part of the anniversary celebrations and is looking for donations of oil-based paint to re-coat benches, fence paint, gravel stone, seeds, plants, herbs, planters and large stones. If you can help please contact the school on 01283 562686 or office@hrb.srscmat.co.uk

Also hoping to attend the anniversary celebrations is Chris Varney, the widow of Frank Varney, the first Headteacher at Holy Rosary. Mr Varney was appointed in March 1966, seven months after the school opened in September 1965. The school’s official opening was held in 1966.

Mr Varney was Headteacher at the school for 18 years.

Annette as a pupil at the school

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The Catholic News. May 2026.

Scripture Focus

By Fr Jeremy Corley

Clothed with Power from on High We live in an age of space travel.

Astronauts can be launched into space and even spend several months on the International Space Station. Billionaires can book a ticket for a flight into space for a few minutes. Unmanned space probes are exploring ever further across the solar system. There are dreams of sending a manned spacecraft to land on Mars.

Humans have always been fascinated by space – the vast expanse above us in the skies, with the moon and stars.

Although modern scientists have sent probes to explore the planets and galaxies nearest to earth, there are distant constellations and supernovas that are far beyond human exploration at the moment.

For the ancient pagans, the heavens were the abode of the gods. For the Jews of biblical times, heaven was the dwelling place of God. But we do not have to understand this in a geographical sense.

God is vast and limitless, like space. God is above us and around us, like space. God is almighty and beyond our control, like the forces from space.

Near the end of May we celebrate Ascension Thursday (29th May), when Jesus bids farewell to his disciples. The Acts of the Apostles portrays Jesus ascending into heaven, until the cloud of God’s presence hides him from their sight.

But we do not need to understand it geographically as a case of space travel – how many miles did Jesus go upwards from the earth? Instead, this is the final appearance of Jesus after his resurrection.

As he bids them farewell in Luke’s gospel account, he blesses them and tells them to wait prayerfully for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

He makes them a wonderful promise in the gospel: in a short while they will be clothed with power from on high. What they would be unable to do by human power, the Holy Spirit would enable them to do. They would be given the power to live like Jesus and spread his love and forgiveness to those around them. They would receive the strength to endure in times of opposition and hardship. And sometimes they would be given the power to heal the sick.

The first apostles would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, and then close by in Judea and Samaria. Thereafter his followers would spread the Christian message across the

Mediterranean – and the Acts of the Apostles tells us of the apostle Paul arriving to preach in Rome. In later times, right up till today, the good news of Jesus would be proclaimed all over the world.

We cannot live as Christians without the power of the Holy Spirit, first given to each of us in baptism and confirmation. As we look forward to Pentecost, we pray that the Holy Spirit may continue to inspire us to follow Jesus. May the Holy Spirit help us to live by Christ’s teaching and bear witness to him by our actions towards family and work colleagues and in our community.

Come O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and enkindle in them the fire of your love!

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Pope in Cameroon: The peace of Christ calms life's storms Around 200,000 people gathered for Mass with Pope Leo at Yaoundé-Ville Airport, today. Many had camped out the night before, and hundreds of thousands of others followed it in areas surrounding the venue. The festive celebration marked the culmination of the Pope's four day visit to Cameroon before heading to Angola, the next destination in his pastoral journey to Africa.

The Holy Father expressed his profound gratitude for the welcome he recieved and the moments of joy and faith experienced together.

In his homily given in French, the Pope reflected on the Gospel reading recounting on how Jesus' disciples navigated the strong winds while crossing the lake of Tiberias with feelings of fear and doubt. The Pope recalled how the Church down through the ages has "navigated many storms and 'strong winds'", just as we must in our own lives. At times, life's tribulations can make us feel overcome by adverse forces, he acknowledged. Yet, we must always remember, he said, that "Jesus is with us always, stronger than any power of evil" and "Jesus does not abandon us, just like he did not abandon the disciples on the Sea of Galilee."

The Pope said knowing Jesus never abandons us allows us to get up after every fall and not allow the storms of life to stop us. "We go forward always with courage and trust." While "faith does not spare us from tumult and tribulations", we can be assured that Jesus is with us. "He does not immediately calm the storm, but comes to us in the midst of the danger, and invites us, in our joys and sorrows, to remain together with him, like the disciples, in the same boat."

As Jesus is with us, we must also be close to those who are afraid and suffering, the Pope said, saying we must "draw near to them" and "embrace them" since "no one must be left alone to confront life's adversities." This is why every community needs to create and support one another with mutual aid, especially "when faced with crises -- be they social, political, medical or economic -- everyone can give and receive assistance according to their own capacity and needs."

Jesus' exhortation "do not be afraid" is spoken to each one of us individually and as a community, the Pope explained, and it gives us encouragement to confront

problems and challenges, especially related to poverty and justice, all together with a sense of common responsibility.

"Faith does not separate the spiritual from the social. Indeed, it gives Christians the strength to interact with the world, responding to the needs of others, especially the weakest. The isolated efforts of individuals are not enough for the salvation of a community: instead, what is needed is a communal commitment, which integrates the spiritual and moral dimensions of the Gospel in the heart of local institutions and structures, making them instruments for the common good, and not places of conflict, self-interest or sterile struggles."

The Pope recalled how the first disciples faced the challenges of sharing the faith and living in community, overwhelmed with the immense challenges that emerged. But they gathered together, discussed the issues, and then united in prayer to discern how best to share the Good News and be attentive to those suffering among them, assisting widows and orphans.

"Listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit and being attentive to the cry of the suffering, they not only avoided division within the community, but they also equipped it with new instruments suitable to its growth, transforming a moment of crisis into an occasion of enrichment and development for everyone."

In conclusion, Pope Leo bade farewell to the congregation, recalling how everyone will return to their daily lives and "the Church continues on its course towards the final goal, thanks to the grace of God and the commitment of every person." He encouraged everyone to treasure and remember "the beautiful moments that we have experienced together alive in our hearts," and as we face life's difficulties to always "make space for Jesus, allowing him to enlighten and renew us every day by his presence."

"The Church in Cameroon is alive, young, blessed with gifts and enthusiasm, energetic in its variety and magnificent in its harmony. With the help of the Virgin Mary, our Mother, may your joyful presence continue to blossom. And may the strong winds, which are never lacking in life, be an occasion for growth in the joyful service of God and your brothers and sisters through

sharing, listening, praying and the desire to grow together."

Cameroon's Prime Minister, Joseph Dion along a long red carpet to the foot of the aircraft waiting to take him on the next leg of his Apostolic Journey - to Angola.

Vatican Media

After a farewell ceremony at the Cameroonian airport, Pope Leo walked with

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They Came to See St Francis and Found Christ Gwen Wiseman This year marked the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. For one extraordinary month, from 22 February to 22 March, the mortal remains of the saint were placed on public veneration, drawing pilgrims from across the world to Assisi.

During that time, hundreds of thousands passed through the Basilica, many travelling hundreds, even thousands of miles for the chance to spend just a few brief moments before the remains of the humble friar who once called himself “the little poor one.”

At first glance, it might have seemed that pilgrims had simply come to see the bones of a medieval saint. Yet the friars serving at the Basilica say something far deeper was unfolding. What began as an act of devotion became something more personal: a moment of prayer, reflection and, for many, a renewed encounter with faith.

“It is startling to see the crowds” Among those welcoming pilgrims to Assisi was Fr Daniel Mary Quackenbush, OFM Conv., an American friar from upstate New York who serves at the Basilica and is responsible for the English-language Mass celebrated each Sunday morning.

“It is startling to see the crowds,” Fr Quackenbush said. “The fact that Francis still has this appeal after eight hundred years proclaims something about his holiness.” For Fr Quackenbush, the explanation lies in the depth of Francis’ interior life. “He had no enemies,” he said. “The only battle he fought was within himself, against anything that stood between him and Christ.” The saint’s holiness was not built on outward drama alone but on an interior struggle, a constant effort to surrender everything to God. “He was constantly trying to put to death whatever wasn’t love or truth,” Fr Quackenbush explained. This daily dying to pride, ambition

and self-will became the hidden path of Francis’ sanctity. He was canonised only two years after his death by Pope Gregory IX, who described him as one of the greatest imitators of Christ the Church had ever known.

For Fr Quackenbush, the veneration of Francis’ remains was not about death. “The emphasis we’re trying to make is that this isn’t about death,” he said. “It’s about life.”

The grain of wheat Many pilgrims arrived with curiosity or devotion. But as they moved through the experience something deeper began to stir within them. Standing before the remains of the saint, they encountered not only the memory of a holy man from the past but the question that shaped Francis’ life: “Lord, what do you want me to do?” This was the question Francis once asked before the crucifix of San Damiano, when he was still a restless young man searching for direction.

After venerating the remains, pilgrims were led into a nearby chapel to renew their baptismal promises, shifting the focus from the life of Francis to their own. The friars framed this moment through the words of Christ in the Gospel of John: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) For the friars, the life of Francis is a living example of that Gospel truth. Like the grain of wheat that falls into the earth, Francis surrendered his life completely to God. In letting go of wealth, ambition and reputation, he discovered a freedom that transformed not only his own life but the lives of countless others.

Francis spoke of death not with fear but with trust, referring to it in the Canticle of the Creatures as “Sister Death.” “The enthusiasm Francis still generates among the people of God is a sign he isn’t dead,” Fr Quackenbush said. “He’s very much alive.”

The remains of Saint Francis of Assisi

Continued on page 2

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Youthful determination to support the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage and sick pilgrims Monthly National Catholic Newspaper Catholic news and stories from across the nation and beyond to build the Catholic community and deepen faith APRIL 2026

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Abel George is a Silver Medallist in the Guild of St. Stephen for Altar Servers at the Good Shepherd Church; part of the Parish of St. John Paul II, Nottingham. A worthy recipient of this accolade for his encouragement and example of our younger Sanctuary Ministrants. Last year, supported by the parish’s St. John Paul II Foundation for Youth; originally formed five years ago to give bursaries to support our youth in fulfilling their desire to journey with the Bishop and share the Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage, or travel to World Youth Day with the Holy Father, Abel travelled to be a support to the sick and infirm. As a member of the Sixth Form of Christ the King Senior Academy Abel recently raised as much funding as possible by a 54 km run. His journey from the Good Shepherd Church around Nottinghamshire is illustrated in the photograph.

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St Alphege - April 19

They Came to See St Francis and Found Christ Gwen Wiseman This year marked the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. For one extraordinary month, from 22 February to 22 March, the mortal remains of the saint were placed on public veneration, drawing pilgrims from across the world to Assisi.

During that time, hundreds of thousands passed through the Basilica, many travelling hundreds, even thousands of miles for the chance to spend just a few brief moments before the remains of the humble friar who once called himself “the little poor one.”

At first glance, it might have seemed that pilgrims had simply come to see the bones of a medieval saint. Yet the friars serving at the Basilica say something far deeper was unfolding. What began as an act of devotion became something more personal: a moment of prayer, reflection and, for many, a renewed encounter with faith.

“It is startling to see the crowds” Among those welcoming pilgrims to Assisi was Fr Daniel Mary Quackenbush, OFM Conv., an American friar from upstate New York who serves at the Basilica and is responsible for the English-language Mass celebrated each Sunday morning.

“It is startling to see the crowds,” Fr Quackenbush said. “The fact that Francis still has this appeal after eight hundred years proclaims something about his holiness.” For Fr Quackenbush, the explanation lies in the depth of Francis’ interior life. “He had no enemies,” he said. “The only battle he fought was within himself, against anything that stood between him and Christ.” The saint’s holiness was not built on outward drama alone but on an interior struggle, a constant effort to surrender everything to God. “He was constantly trying to put to death whatever wasn’t love or truth,” Fr Quackenbush explained. This daily dying to pride, ambition

and self-will became the hidden path of Francis’ sanctity. He was canonised only two years after his death by Pope Gregory IX, who described him as one of the greatest imitators of Christ the Church had ever known.

For Fr Quackenbush, the veneration of Francis’ remains was not about death. “The emphasis we’re trying to make is that this isn’t about death,” he said. “It’s about life.”

He writes: “Taking on a 54km challenge pushed me far beyond what I thought I was capable of. The first half felt manageable, but by around 35km, my body was shattered and every step became a real struggle.

The grain of wheat Many pilgrims arrived with curiosity or devotion. But as they moved through the experience something deeper began to stir within them. Standing before the remains of the saint, they encountered not only the memory of a holy man from the past but the question that shaped Francis’ life: “Lord, what do you want me to do?” This was the question Francis once asked before the crucifix of San Damiano, when he was still a restless young man searching for direction.

After venerating the remains, pilgrims were led into a nearby chapel to renew their baptismal promises, shifting the focus from the life of Francis to their own. The friars framed this moment through the words of Christ in the Gospel of John: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) For the friars, the life of Francis is a living example of that Gospel truth. Like the grain of wheat that falls into the earth, Francis surrendered his life completely to God. In letting go of wealth, ambition and reputation, he discovered a freedom that transformed not only his own life but the lives of countless others.

Francis spoke of death not with fear but with trust, referring to it in the Canticle of the Creatures as “Sister Death.” “The enthusiasm Francis still generates among the people of God is a sign he isn’t dead,” Fr Quackenbush said. “He’s very much alive.”

Continued on page 2

The remains of Saint Francis of Assisi Image: Gwen Wiseman

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In that moment, it would have been easy to quit. But I kept going. Not because it was easy, but because it mattered. The challenge became about perseverance, faith, and pushing through pain with purpose.

Completing the 54km was more than just a physical achievement; it was a test of resilience and determination. The support and donations I received gave me the strength to keep moving, even at my lowest point, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who made it possible.

I cannot wait to serve in Lourdes and once again, thank you very much”.

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£1.80 provides a child with a meal every weekday for a month

Donate now at www.reachfoundationuk.org Your money goes a long way!

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Nottingham based St Elizabeth of the Trinity secular Carmelite community celebrate 25 years On March 28th the Secular Carmelite communities for the Midlands came together for their regional meeting with Fr Matt OCD and Annette Goulden OCDS, National President. The meeting was held in St Mary’s church hall Derby with Mass held by Fr Matt where two members were able to pronounce their promises to the Order in the Prescence of Fr Matt and their community.

On this occasion the Nottingham secular Carmelite group were celebrating their 25th year of being canonically established.

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Francis opened On Christmas Eve 2024, Pope inviting the the Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica, of 2025. “This is Church into the Jubilee Year we are invited to the season of hope in which the Lord,” he rediscover the joy of meeting spiritual renewal said. “The Jubilee calls us to of our and commits us to the transformation truly become a world, so that this year may time of jubilation.”

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time of jubilation.” Expectations the Feast of the As the Jubilee concluded on in year more as a that confirmed remembered thebeVatican 2025 will Epiphany, Jubilee Rome from walked totogether Churchtravelled globalpilgrims 33 million thanthe which and change,The continuityexpectations. joy,exceeding grief andfar 185 countries, through St a visible in Christ, Jubileeas made the that hope, rooted scale of participation discovering (Rom universality. not disappoint” the Church’s of “does reminds us, Paulexpression

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Saint Francis of Assisi died on 3 October 1226, near the small chapel he loved page 2 most.

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www.CatholicPost.co.uk St. Joseph 19th March

In the likeness and image of God

was answered. Two years before his death, Francis received the wounds page of Christ11on his St. Joseph hands, feet, and side, becoming page 14 He did not die in a grand church the first or monastery. recorded saint to bear 19th March the stigmata.

He asked to be laid naked on the bare earth. From this radical conformity to Christ flowed a He asked for the Passion of Christ according life that could not be contained. Francis to the Gospel of John to be read to him. He founded a worldwide family of friars, sisters, sang psalms. And then, quietly, he went home and lay people, now spread across every to God. continent. Yet his influence reaches far beyond Pray as you Go those who wear a habit.

Near the end of his life, broken Gwen Wiseman in body, nearly Saint Francis of Assisi died blind, and on 3 October 1226, was answered. exhausted by years of severe fasting, Two years The Franciscan before his death, chapel he loved most.

Jubilee Francisnear did the not small fear death.

Francis received the wounds He welcomed her In the context of this centenary year, Pope of Christ as a sister: “Sister Bodily Death.”

Leo on his His final XIV hashands, feet, 2026 and aside, proclaimed He did not die in a grand becoming Franciscan the first moments church or monastery. recorded Jubilee, were an act of complete surrender, inviting the whole saint to bear He the asked stigmata.

Church to be to rediscover the laid naked - April 19 a St lastAlphege imitation of page 11 thegiven bare earth.

Christ who on had heart From of thethis radical conformity Christ flowed He asked for the Passion everything a of Christ according life thatGospel through theto life and on the Cross. could not be contained. witness of St Francis. to the Gospel of John to Francis be read to him. He founded a worldwide family of friars, psalms. And then, quietly, sisters, How asang person he went dies often reveals how and lay people, they home A particular to God. grace of the now across Year spread of St Francis have lived. is every Francis died as he lived: poor, dedicated to other great Franciscan continent.

Yet hisattached free, the plenary influencetoreaches far beyond indulgence saints an online booking system trusting, and wholly abandoned this Jubilee, such as St Clare has been introduced those of Assisi, St Anthony of Padua, to God. wearway addressed a habit.

Near the end of his life, broken in who a special to manage access. Further to the members of St Bonaventure, in body, nearly information is and St Maximilian Kolbe. In the Franciscan families of the blind, and exhausted by years available at www.sanfrancescovive.org.

First, Second, the spirit of the Eight of severe fasting, Hundred Years Later Jubilee decree, these places are Franciscan Regular Jubilee not fear death. He welcomed and Third Orders,The and Secular, On 10 Francis Januarydid 2026, the Franciscan family as herto Institutes In the context of this centenary as well natural local points of pilgrimage, ensuring of Consecrated Life, Societies sister: “Sister Bodily Death.” year, Pope Leo A Year to Walk Alongside Francis across as theaworld, that the grace of the Year together with the Church in His final XIV has of Apostolic of St Francis is While praying 2026 athat Life,proclaimed and associations Franciscan Pray as you Go Assisi, moments an act of complete surrender, before the crucifix in the ruined observeJubilee, gathered were accessible to all the faithful, in prayer inviting the Basilica of the Rule the whole including those church of Church of St Francis a last imitation of atChrist to rediscover the or draw inspiration San Damiano, Francis heard Santa Maria who degli Angeli to open the had given to travel to Assisi. heart of the Gospel through from unable Christ Eighth his spirituality. everything on the Cross. say: “Francis, go and rebuild my the life and Centenary of the death of St Francis.

Ask your priest how the Year Church.” witness of St Francis. of Francis will be lived in your parish and diocese.

At the same time, How a person dies often At first, he understood this literally.

The world reveals how they A particularthis grace is extended to all Francis knew was marked He rebuilt grace by the faithful, who, with of the have lived. Francis died Year of St ruined chapels with his own hearts FrancisVeneration detached violence, is dedicated as he lived: poor, free, the plenary from division, and deepApril hands, before to other inequality. of the great page 11 St Alphege Mortal Franciscan sin, participate in indulgence Remains 19to Our of saints the Jubileeattached and wholly-abandoned slowly realising to thisa Jubilee, such as an onlinethat by moderntrusting, making booking world may Christ system was calling God. St appear very different on pilgrimage has been ClareFrancis himintroduced addressed of Assisi, St Anthony of Padua, Saint to in aFranciscan special way to the members to any something to manage deeper, not the surface, and yet in many conventual Asofpart St access. the rebuilding Further of of Bonaventure, the centenary and information stone ways it remains church the Franciscan St Maximilian celebrations, is families or place Kolbe.walls, pilgrims of the First, of worship Eight In but available dedicated the rebuilding painfully similar. at www.sanfrancescovive.org.

Years to StSecond, the spirit of hearts and lives.

Later EightHundred of the Jubilee hundred years venerate Third anywhere decree, after the mortal Orders, Regular and Secular, are invited to his Francis and thesethe remains, of Assisi placesThis On 10 January 2026, the are year, the same invitation in the world. as well natural death, in a fractured and restlessFranciscan is extended to localAfter St Francis. points as tenderness, to Institutes of Consecrated With bones of world, his family pilgrimage, his of particular death, and out of ensuring the world, together with us. the Church has ensured Life, Societies A Year witnessacross to still calls Walk that theThe fear the us back to the essentials.

Alongside Church of grace medieval in theofsick of the Year Apostolic Francis relic hunters, that of St Francis’s and associations Francis is While praying and theLife, body elderly, that observe accessible and those unable in prayer at the Basilica faithful Assisi, before the crucifix in the from gathered every corner allhundred Almosttosix the faithful, of the globe toof Rule ruined of St Francis or draw inspiration was hidden. leavethe yearsincluding their Santa Maria degli Angeli later, in those Gochurch homes and rebuild continue of Sanwhat to this may from to be drawn by the life of Damiano, unable open the Eighth his spirituality. for serious reasons God desires 1818, Pope Francistoheard Christ travel PiustoVII to Assisi. ordered small, also obtain the plenary indulgence a search for the of the death of St Francis. say: “Francis, unlikelyCentenary restorego by uniting tomb, which man. But why? within Ask your and rebuild you. my Church.” waspriest how therediscovered successfully Year of Francis will themselves spiritually to Go and rebuild the places where the Jubilee beneath thebe lived in trust At your altar and theand of the Lower parish same celebrations and diocese. time, to Basilica this grace of St world Francis knew was offering is prayers, extended to At God first, he understood relationships their Francis The all refused have weakened.

Francis. to dilute the demands ofmarked this literally. He rebuilt by the and faithful, the sufferings, who, difficulties with hearts detached from the daily division, and deep inequality.

Go and ruined rebuild Gospel.violence, chapels of life. In holiness He embraced Veneration of the Mortal withinhis theown ordinary it without reserve, this Ourway,sin, hands, before Remains of slowlydetails in the by theparticipate modern world may mercy proclaimed Jubilee by making choosing realising St Francis appear very different on pilgrimage of daily poverty over that Christ is Thea tomb was last opened life. was calling him to Saint peace over made accessible to any Franciscan Francis in 1978 under Pope the surface, and comfort, to all, regardless conventual Eightsomething hundred years power, and in many ways it remains church deeper, of Paul VIAsfor humility overyet after partinspection not Francis of the centenary the rebuilding status met of stone The Gospel circ or place of worship dedicated at whicelebrations, h ti t painfully similar. Eight pilgrims walls, but the to St are invited to venerate hundred years after his Francis rebuilding of hearts and lives. the mortal remains, the of Assisi anywhere in the death, in a fractured and This year, the same invitation world. With bones of St restless world, his particular Francis. After his death, and is extended to tenderness, the Church has witness still calls us back out of us. ensured fear of medieval to the essentials. The that the relic hunters, Francis’s body sick and the elderly, and those faithful from every corner unable was hidden. Almost of the globe to leave their six hundred homes for serious reasons years later, in continue to be drawn by Go and rebuild what God may 1818, Pope Pius VII the life of this small, also obtain desires to ordered a search for the the plenary indulgence by unlikely man. But why? uniting tomb, which was restore within you. themselves spiritually successfully rediscovered to the Jubilee beneath Go and rebuild the places the altar of the Lower Basilica where trust and celebrations and offering Francis refused to dilute of St to God their prayers, Francis. relationships have weakened. the demands of the sufferings, and the daily difficulties Gospel. He embraced Go and rebuild holiness of life. In it without reserve, this way, in the ordinary the mercy proclaimed by choosing poverty over St Francis is The tomb comfort, peace over made details of daily life. was last opened in 1978 under accessible to all, regardless power, and humility over Pope Eight hundred years after of Paul VI for inspection, status. The Gospel circumstance.

Francis met at which time the was not simply something Sister Death, his life still he believed; it was remains were placed in points us to Christ a sealed protective the pattern of his entire and calls us to live the Gospel life, shaping every Most dioceses container to ensure their without preservation. Now, in across the UK have a parish choice he made. or 2026, Francis’s body compromise. church explicitly named will be exposed for public after St Francis of veneration The journey with Francis for the very first time. begins today.

Assisi, and every diocese So completely did Francis has at least one The Franciscan Year runs give himself to Christ church from or place of worship connected that he prayed to share 10 January 2026 to 10 January to the Public veneration both the physical Franciscan will take place during the 2027. charism. This includes Franciscan suffering of the Cross and season of Lent, from 22 February the burning love friaries, Franciscan to 22 March. For pilgrimages, and Poor Clare convents, with which Christ offered himself. This prayer shrines Due to the large number retreats or visits to Assisi, and chapels, as well as of pilgrims expected contact churches to travel to Assisi Gwen Wiseman: gwen@viaassisi.com for this extraordinary event, | www.viaassisi.com

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Winners and self-will became the hidden path of Gwen Wiseman Francis’ sanctity. He was canonised only two This year marked the 800th anniversary of the pages 6 & years after his death by Pope Gregory page 8 IX, who death of Saint Francis of Assisi. For 7one described him as one of the greatest imitators extraordinary month, from 22 February to 22 of Christ the Church had ever known.

March, the mortal remains of the saint were placed on public veneration, drawing pilgrims celebrated, each 35 major Jubilee events were For Fr Quackenbush, the veneration of Francis’ Pope Francis. ©Vatican Media Opening of the Holy Door, by vocation or group from across the world to Assisi.

Surpassed particular to aThat A Jubilee dedicated Saints for Our Time remains was not about death. “The emphasis associated with the witness of the Church. These were not merely sites were Maximus, a site enriched bywe’re within the Expectations trying to make is that this isn’t about The Jubilee Year was further basilicas and traditional pilgrimage of the The sight of thousands of encounter on the Feast but moments During that time, hundredsGiorgio of thousands concluded gatherings, Jubilee a surge in early Christian martyrs. large As the Frassati and Carlo the canonisations of Pier death,” he said. “It’s about life.” that more and reported and priests highlighted quietly queuing forpassed shared, deepened, was confirmed Vatican through the Basilica, many travelling faith pilgrims of young people where the Epiphany,

by Pope Leo Confessions, particularly among Acutis, the first saints canonised to Rome from became one of the defining images hundreds, even thousands of miles for theresonant 33 million pilgrims travelled in the Jubilee sacrament thanrenewed. seeking to participate fully The grain of wheat XIV. Their witness proved especially expectations. The of the Holy Year. chance to spend just a few brief moments 185 countries, far exceeding hope. a visible Many pilgrims arrived with curiosity or Monday indulgence. the Jubilee on Easter during a Holy Year centred on made Francis death of Pope of participation scaleThe before the the remains of the humble friar who devotion. But as they moved through the the year, followed universality. on the moment, the Prefect of mark during of the Church’s left an indelible expression to the Sacrament of Reflecting once called himself “the little poor one.” message: and self-will a compelling of Pope Leo This renewed return Wiseman experience something deeper stir of became the began hiddentopath observed: “To see those young Both saints offer Gwen by the conclave and the election as one of the clearest signs City of Rome, ti ili each Francis’ Media celebrated, them.sanctity.

Standing the remains oftwo Hebefore This was canonised year marked the 800th anniversary of thewithin only

by Pope Francis. ©Vatican 35 major Jubilee events were At first glance, it mightfor have seemed Opening of the Holy Door, Time that vocation or group saint,after theyhisencountered only IX, thewho death by Popenot Saints Gregory Francis Our of death of Saint of Assisi. For onethe years dedicated to a particular with the witnesspilgrims had simply come tofurther see theenriched bones ofby the described were not merely of a holy man thegreatest past but the were Maximus, a site associated him as onefrom of the extraordinary Year was imitators from 22 February to 22memory The Jubilee month, within the Church. These traditional pilgrimage sites martyrs. The sight of thousands a medieval saint. Yet the friars serving at and the Carlo of Christ of encounter basilicas and Frassati thatthe shaped Francis’ life:known.

“Lord, what Giorgio a surge in early Christian Church had ever of Pier the mortal for the March, remains large gatherings, but moments of the saint werequestion canonisations and priests highlighted people quietly queuing Basilica say something far deeperby was deepened, and reported Pope Leo do you want me to do?” This was the question among pilgrims of young saints canonised images placed firstveneration, on the where faith was shared, public drawing pilgrims Acutis, Confessions, particularly became one of the defining unfolding. What began asproved an actespecially of devotion resonant Francis once asked before crucifix of of Francis’ San For Fr Quackenbush, fully in the Jubilee sacrament thethe veneration renewed. from across witness world to Assisi.

Theirthe XIV. seeking to participate of the Holy Year. became something more centred personal:ona hope. moment Damiano, he was stilldeath. a restless remainswhen was not about “The young emphasis during a Holy Year on Easter Monday indulgence. reflection and, for many, a renewed searching theprayer, tryingfor The death of Pope Francis ofof to direction. make is that this isn’t about During that time, hundreds of thousandsmanwe’re the moment, the Prefect encounter the year, followed with faith.

Sacrament of Reflecting on message: death,” he said. “It’s about life.” left an indelible mark during a compelling those youngpassed renewed return to the offer Basilica, saints the many travelling Boththrough Rome, observed: “To see election of Pope Leo This After venerating the remains, pilgrims were led one of the clearest signs City of by the conclave and the life, in classrooms that washundreds, in ordinary even is lived thousands of these Reconciliation was miles for the as well as people in confession, the atmosphere “It isholiness startling to see mountain theofcrowds” into a nearby chapel to renew their baptismal XIV on 8 May. But the convergence and city Jubilee touched hearts The grain of wheat remained chance to spend justona few brief paths workplaces, Jubilee Year into a that the moments not simply felt, it was something unique that Among and those welcoming pilgrims to Assisi was promises, events transformed the shifting the focus with from the life of theMany pilgrims many, the Holy Year was For reinforced arrived minds. a curiosity before or canonisations the communion; remains in Their of the humble friar who streets. of personal engraved in everyone’s eyes.” powerful witness of a Church Fr Daniel Mary Quackenbush, OFMthat Conv., an Francis to their The moved friars framed this isdevotion. to attend, but a moment sainthood Butown. as they through the once Jubilee’s conviction called himself gather in prayer for an event central“the little poor one.” begin again.

Church able to mourn, to American friar from upstate New York who moment through the words of Christ in the a genuine opportunity to ofexperience something deeper began to stir Spirit, and to move renewal, Jubilee of Youth not reserved for a few, but is the vocation the guidance of the Holy For many observers, the ofthem.

John: “Unless grain ofthe wheat falls serves at the Basilica and is responsible for the Gospel within Standinga before hope. remains of about faith At first might have seemed that into the earth and dies, it remains all. glance, itMass forward together with renewed The Jubilee of Youth challenged prevailing assumptions just a grain; English-language celebrated each the saint, they encountered not a only the It revealedpilgrims had simply come to see the bones of moments of the butmemory if it dies,ofitabears muchfrom fruit.” among younger generations.

Sunday morning.

Among the most striking holy man the(John past12:24) but the drawing more a medieval saint. Yet the friars serving aton Signs of Spiritual Renewal but searching, open 5the friars, the life of Francis is a living page was the Jubilee of Youth, Forquestion Continued the generation not indifferent, that shaped Francis’ life: “Lord, what the Jubilee’s most Jubilee to Rome.

Basilica say something Beyond the numbers, deeper Fr was example one million young people meaning, and belonging. thatme Gospel truth. of “It is startling to see thefarcrowds,” do youof want to do?” its spiritual impact. than ThisLike wasthe thegrain Circus to depth, question unfolding. What enduring legacy lies in were offered at the as an of devotion that falls into the the earth, Francis Quackenbush said. began “The fact thatact Francis still wheat Francis at Rome’s major Confessions once asked before crucifix of San Unprecedented attendance became something a moment his life to God. In has this appeal aftermore eightpersonal: hundred years surrendered Damiano, when he completely was still a restless young of prayer, reflection and, for many, a renewed letting go of wealth, ambition and reputation, man searching for direction. proclaims something about his holiness.” For encounter with faith. h di d f d h f d

5:5).

Fingers and Feet

The Year of Francis

APRILSt.2026 Scholastica:

Gwen Wiseman

opened a year in Pope Francisas be remembered Eve will2024, 2025 Christmas On Jubilee the inviting together walked Basilica, Church St Peter’s the ofglobal Holy Door thewhich is “This change, of 2025.and continuity and joy,Year the Jubilee into grief through Church as St Christ, to we areininvited rooted which hope, that in season of hope thediscovering (Rom the Lord,” he not disappoint” meeting us,of“does the joy Paul reminds rediscover renewal “The Jubilee calls us to spiritual said.5:5). of our and commits us to the transformation truly become a maySurpassed That this year A Jubilee world, so that

is

They Came to See St Francis and Found Christ

After venerating the remains, pilgrims were led “It is startling to see the crowds” into a nearby chapel to renew their baptismal Among those welcoming pilgrims to Assisi was promises, shifting the focus from the life of Fr Daniel Mary Quackenbush, OFM Conv., an Francis to their own. The friars framed this American friar from upstate New York who moment through the words of Christ in the serves at the Basilica and is responsible for the Gospel of John: “Unless a grain of wheat falls English-language Mass celebrated each into the earth and dies, it remains just a grain; Sunday morning. but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) For the friars, the life of Francis is a living “It is startling to see the crowds,” Fr example of that Gospel truth. Like the grain of Quackenbush said. “The fact that Francis still wheat that falls into the earth, Francis has this appeal after eight hundred years surrendered his life completely to God. In proclaims something about his holiness.” For letting go of wealth, ambition and reputation, Fr Quackenbush, the explanation lies in the he discovered a freedom that transformed not depth of Francis’ interior life. “He had no only his own life but the lives of countless enemies,” he said. “The only battle he fought others. was within himself, against anything that stood between him and Christ.” The saint’s holiness Francis spoke of death not with fear but with was not built on outward drama alone but on trust, referring to it in the Canticle of the an interior struggle, a constant effort to Creatures as “Sister Death.” “The enthusiasm surrender everything to God. “He was Francis still generates among the people of constantly trying to put to death whatever God is a sign he isn’t dead,” Fr Quackenbush wasn’t love or truth,” Fr Quackenbush said. “He’s very much alive.” explained. This daily dying to pride, ambition Continued on page 2

The remains of Saint Francis of Assisi Image: Gwen Wiseman

So with lots to celebrate there had to be cake. The Nottingham community were very pleased to receive blessings and congratulations from Bishop Patrick McKinney acknowledging their Prescence in Nottinghamshire for 25 years.

We would like to thanks St Mary’s Church Derby and the Derby community especially Jo Gilbert OCDS their president and Martin Auger OCDS, our regional representative for the hard work they put into making it a really happy day.”

For all your advertising requirements please contact Nick on 01440 730399 nick@cathcom.org Please support our Advertisers The Nottingham community with Annette Goulden (far left)

Page 10

The Catholic News. May 2026.

Transformed into an inspiring outdoor learning space

A woodland area at St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Marple Bridge has been transformed into an inspiring outdoor learning space to help children connect with nature.

“Through regular access to the Dingley Dell, children will build practical skills, deepen their understanding of the world around them, and develop a lifelong connection with nature.

The ‘Dingley Dell’ has been officially opened at the school, thanks to the generous support and fundraising efforts of the school’s PTA.

“From Nursery through to Year 6, all pupils will now benefit from this dedicated woodland provision. Whether it is storytelling under the trees, scientific investigation, creative arts, or reflective quiet moments in nature, the Dingley Dell will serve as a vibrant extension of our classrooms.”

The woodland has been developed to enrich the educational experience of every child at the school, with the addition of a new gateway providing direct access from the school field.

There are also newly created steps leading into the woodland, encouraging children to explore the area.

Sarah Bradbury, the school’s EYFS and wellbeing lead, said that St Mary’s believes in a holistic education that nurtures the whole child.

She said: “The development of the Dingley Dell reflects our core values of exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning within our natural environment.

Pupil Amelie said: “I am going to love playing in the Dingley Dell, the steps are exciting.”

Pupil Rose said: “It will be an amazing adventure and exciting experience to learn about the wilderness.”

Mrs Bradbury thanked the PTA , landscape contractor Joe Williams, and the wider school community for their commitment and generosity in bringing this vision to life.

She said: “Together, we have created a space where imaginations will flourish,

curiosity will grow, and memories will be made for years to come.”

what can be achieved through teamwork across our school family.

Headteacher John Nish said: “We are incredibly proud to see Dingley Dell come to life and the opportunities it will provide for our children. My sincere thanks go to our PTA for their generosity and tireless fundraising; this is a wonderful example of

“Outdoor learning is a vital part of our curriculum, helping children to develop resilience, creativity and a deeper connection with the natural world. The Dingley Dell is a special place where our pupils can be nurtured, explore, learn and flourish together.”

Page 11

The Catholic News. May 2026.

Good Friday Walk of Witness, 2026 Back in January, a small group – led by Canon Malachy (Nottingham Cathedral) and Rev. Dr James Saunders (St Mary’s in the Lace Market) – met for the first time with the aim of organising a Good Friday Walk of Witness through Nottingham City Centre.

This was to be the first such event in over 15 years, and we hoped to encourage members of those two congregations, along with possibly other church groups in Nottingham, to take part and share the message of Good Friday.

It was quickly decided that this would be an Ecumenical event, sharing the experience with Christians from as many church backgrounds as possible. Plans moved apace, and I was tasked with organising a Licence for the event through Nottingham City Council – a more complicated process that I originally thought, but happily one which was resolved thanks to the helpful team at the Council.

The walk was to start at Nottingham Cathedral, moving down through the Market Square and on to St Mary’s. We hoped for 100-200 people, which provided logistical questions and problems – it was clear that we would need a number of Stewards to guide people and keep them safe whilst crossing roads, First Aid provision, a designated and tested route, risk assessments and clear Health & Safety procedures. Canon Malachy and Fr James put together the liturgy to be used at the three stops, as well as inviting ecumenical and special guests, and the event started to come together.

Thanks to the publicity of many different church groups, over 400 people attended the walk – a wonderful number, bringing together Christians of many backgrounds in a single act of faith.

Among that number were a group of faith and civic leaders, including (from left to right): The Rt Rev. Andy Emerton (Bishop of Sherwood); Rev. Richard Byass (Superintendent Minister, Methodist Church); Rev. Geoffrey Clarke (East Midlands Synod Moderator, URC); Rev. Ezekiel Alawale (Senior Pastor, God’s Vineyard Ministries); Mjr Robert Jepson (Corps Leader, Nottingham Salvation Army); Prof. Veronica Pickering (LordLieutenant of Nottinghamshire); The Rt Rev. Patrick McKinney (Bishop of Nottingham); Bishop Paulina HławiczkaTrotman (head of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain); Rev. Steve Silvester (Rector of St Nic’s, Nottingham).

It was a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful event, and it was truly rewarding to receive so many positive comments about the walk. We have learnt a lot, and next year’s event is already in the pipeline, hopefully incorporating even more members of local churches and faith groups. Thank you to all those involved in the planning and to those who worked so hard on the day to keep people safe – working together was a very special experience!

Cheryl Broodryk

Page 12

The Catholic News. May 2026.

You can use both sets of clues to solve the puzzle: the solutions are the same.

18

Is she, looking up, last one raising any cash at Christmas? (5) 21 First family's home study is situated below, note (4) QUICK Across 7 Latin hymn translated into a popular carol by a canon of Westminster Cathedral (6,7) 8 Christ or the Messiah, as named from a reference in Isaiah (8) 9 Where Moses commanded Joshua to build an altar (4) 10 White vestment like a double-Y embroidered with crosses, worn by the Pope (7) 12 Dynast and hymnodist from humble origins, integral to both Testaments (5) 14 Young bird, especially of domestic fowl (5) 16 Kings of Israel and Judah sharing the same name (7) 19 Son of Jacob cursed by his father for attacking Shechem (4) 20 Early Christians who aimed to return to man's primitive innocence (8) 22 Hill overlooking Jerusalem where Solomon built an altar (5,2,6) QUICK Down 1 Mountainous region south of the Dead Sea in OT times, also called Seir (4) 2 Name God gave to Jacob... (6) 3 ...and one of Jacob's twelve sons (7) 4 Extension of the nave in a church (5) 5 Nun and

6 11 13 15 17 18 21

missionary dedicated to helping the poor in India (1910-1997) (6) Ascetic 5th century British theologian (8) One of the five Philistine cities (8) Area north of biblical Israel famous for its cedar trees (7) Queensland resort city facing the Great Barrier Reef (6) Greatest of all the gods of ancient Egypt (6) Joyful religious song celebrating the birth of Christ (5) Land west of Nod (4)

SOLUTION

Across: 7 Adeste fideles, 8 Immanuel, 9 Ebal, 10 Pallium, 12 David, 14 Chick, 16 Jehoash, 19 Levi, 20 Adamites, 22 Mount of Olives Down: 1 Edom, 2 Israel, 3 Zebulun, 4 Aisle, 5 Teresa, 6 Pelagius, 11 Ashkelon, 13 Lebanon, 15 Cairns, 17 Osiris, 18 Carol, 21 Eden.

CRYPTIC Across 7 Dead set, if else fails, to make 18 when in Rome (6,7) 8 I am the Spanish waiter in Messiah! (8) 9 Mountain in Joshua can be seen in section of Horeb, altitudinally (4) 10 Friend from Troy, one leaving an ecclesiastic band (7) 12 Drama queen's back to support the lead in Dallas – the Dynasty chap? (5) 14 Youngster gets sophisticated in front of the king... (5) 16 ...one in Judah has Henry bound by kinky Joe to tree (7) 19 It's the first name in jeans for Matthew! (4) 20 Early Christian sect which barely made it out of 21? (8) 22 To which place did Jesus ride a girl's horse? (5,2,6) CRYPTIC Down 1 Esau's people's place, where style's in ascendant (4) 2 First of Issachar's successors really annexed extra land here (6) 3 Exist, being raised in African surroundings, to name brother of 2 (7) 4 Passage from article is on the Spanish uprising (5) 5 Missionary's desirable little home in Darjeeling? (6) 6 Drugs prisoner detained by the Pope is ascetic (8) 11 Get trees from 11 or 16 by the thousand, to rebuild lone Philistine city... (8) 13 ...and cedars from here to build Jerusalem, the French and British find later (7) 15 Queensland site's stop-start finish confused CIA and the Navy (6) 17 God's pupil is confronted by a very large introduction (6)